What are the two main branches of CN V2?

• A. Infraorbital nerve and Nasociliary nerve
• B. Infraorbital nerve and Zygomatic nerve
• C. Zygomatic nerve and Lacrimal nerve
• D. Supraorbital nerve and Frontal nerve

Answer: (B)

The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve has two principal sensory trunks that you’ll encounter in most anatomy and clinical questions: the infraorbital nerve and the zygomatic nerve. The infraorbital nerve travels through the infraorbital canal and exits at the infraorbital foramen, supplying a large portion of the midface—areas like the lower eyelid, side of the nose, and upper lip—and it also gives off anterior or middle superior alveolar branches to the upper front teeth in many people. The zygomatic nerve runs along the orbital floor to the cheek, dividing into zygomaticotemporal and zygomaticofacial branches that supply the lateral cheek and temple region; it also carries parasympathetic fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion to the lacrimal gland via a communicating branch to the lacrimal nerve. These two trunks are the broad, primary pathways of V2, whereas many other branches (to teeth, palate, nasal areas) are smaller or more specialized.